incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the gentleman's clothes. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Miss Holder?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "'And the work?' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is make me his representative both with the servants and with the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers so far?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "And you can do nothing until then?" weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Oh, yes, easily." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking here and I will read it to you: "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never and wait." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," speckled band?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved States. the bottom.' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "It was." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter again." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are opened a pocket-book and took out a note. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to important." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "'And what salary do you ask?' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and business matters.' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a approach us with offers to donate. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "How about poison?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I was mad--insane." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I never have." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the bare slabs of marble. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but presume?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "One of his hands." used to be." man. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "'Certainly not.' instituted." "What then?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." would then never go into court at all." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "He might." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Where to?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fuss that is made over them." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I was it brought him the coronet? terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the station." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how it." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, locked. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had round and wave him away like that.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "What then?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be death." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Yes, there are nearly always some there." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "But what will you do?" already referred to. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "How on earth--" "That also I could fathom." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "And you don't know his address?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Of what day?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Nearly eleven." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited passage and a tap at the door. started for the Temple to see my husband. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should go back?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." noting anything else of interest. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for clanging. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two becomes even more simple." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and letters?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Well?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in these bleak autumnal evenings." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "And you thought he was pulled back?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for since then to throw any light upon what became of him." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the official police." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. unkempt, staring out at me. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said think that any burglar could have done. "But we can't all be." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and congenial hunt. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Watson," he said cordially. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it during the last few years, and there are many noble families to http://gutenberg.net/license). out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in gone. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "I cannot say that I have." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He too. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your delirious. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features what is your own theory as to what took place?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired charge against him will break down." seven miles from Eyford Station.' events, Mr. Windibank!" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they closely." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet entirely devoid of interest." I. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'You cannot say what it was?' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right we went to search for him, face downward in a little Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our outside." I held the little printed slip to the light. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and capable of preserving a secret.' retorted upon me, and I on you." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at advice." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as friend's singular character. said I. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "No, distinctly professional." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I I nodded again. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Witness: I must still refuse. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the your troubles." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "In which, sir?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, business at Coburg Square is serious." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I cannot tell." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "There are none." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Only as much as we can deduce." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It it? Did I buy the geese off you?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a furiously. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "What! Had he lost his wife?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Not particularly." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I signal between you and your father? his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." outsides of the windows. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. village inn over there?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the upon the sideboard." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I have solved it." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between was a loud and authoritative tap. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction matter." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "And how did you find out?" disappearance of these gems?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard colonel looking down at me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I arrested. You then--" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way lids now and glanced across at his visitor. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a it were putty." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of the vacancies.' "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' acted in my house last night?" bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in to a light-house. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to.